How a High-Oxalate Diet Changes Gut Bacteria and Affects the Body

How a High-Oxalate Diet Changes Gut Bacteria and Affects the Body

Recent research shows that eating a lot of oxalates—compounds found in foods like spinach, beets, and almonds—can change the types of bacteria in your gut. These changes can affect important body processes like how we handle inflammation, cholesterol, blood pressure, and even how we clear waste like oxalates from our system.

Two gut bacteria are especially affected: Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Parasutterella. Normally, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 helps prevent oxalate buildup, while Parasutterella can contribute to problems if it grows too much. A high-oxalate diet lowers Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and increases Parasutterella.

This imbalance can lead to hyperoxaluria, a condition where too much oxalate builds up in the urine, which can cause kidney stones and other health problems. But the good news is that a fecal matter transplant (FMT)—a procedure that replaces bad gut bacteria with good ones—can reverse this. Interestingly, the FMT doesn’t work by increasing bacteria that break down oxalates. Instead, it strengthens the gut lining and improves transport proteins in the gut that help remove oxalate from the body.

What Else Changes?

In just 15 days of eating a high-oxalate diet, mice showed signs of leaky gut and metabolic problems. Their intestines became inflamed and damaged. They also had less of a substance called 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, which helps the body make salicylates—natural anti-inflammatory compounds. This could explain why some people develop salicylate sensitivity while eating a high-oxalate or carnivore diet.

People on a carnivore diet should note that hydroxyproline (a protein building block found in collagen-rich animal foods) also increased oxalate levels in this study. That might explain ongoing oxalate issues some carnivores face.

Sulfur and L-Cysteine Handling

Parasutterella loves to consume L-cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid. L-cysteine is essential for managing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and making glutathione, the body’s main detox chemical. If Parasutterella grows too much, it might lower L-cysteine levels, which could contribute to diabetes, weight gain, and even sulfur sensitivities. However, some balance is needed because L-cysteine can also help prevent calcium oxalate buildup.

Oxalate Transport and Blood Pressure

The gut uses special transport proteins (called SLC transporters) to get rid of oxalate. After FMT, more oxalate left through the feces instead of urine, showing that transporter activity had improved. Parasutterella makes a compound called succinate, which can affect how these transporters work. Succinate helps balance oxalate and citrate, a chemical that helps prevent kidney stones. Too much succinate, however, may increase blood pressure by interfering with how transporters work.

Cholesterol and Bile Acids

Parasutterella also influences cholesterol and bile acid levels. Some studies show it helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, especially when people eat resistant starches like cooked and cooled potatoes. It also helps regulate bile acids, which are needed to digest fats and remove cholesterol from the body. Parasutterella seems to reduce harmful bile acids while encouraging the body to make more of the helpful ones. This balance helps the liver stay healthy and may reduce the risk of fatty liver disease or liver damage.

Aromatic Amino Acids

Parasutterella also plays a role in handling aromatic amino acids like tyrosine and tryptophan. These amino acids are important for making brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. In the study, more Parasutterella was linked to less of a harmful byproduct called p-cresol, and more of helpful compounds like N-hydroxy-L-tyrosine (a dopamine precursor) and ethylphenol (which may fight fungal infections).

The Bottom Line

This study shows that eating a lot of oxalates changes the gut in major ways—lowering good bacteria like Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and increasing bacteria like Parasutterella. These shifts affect much more than oxalate levels. They influence inflammation, gut health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and even mental well-being. A low-oxalate diet might help restore balance, especially in people struggling with oxalate-related health problems.


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11776474/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9037427/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6776049/

Oxalate Impact Summary

Oxalate Summary:
– Oxalates are compounds that come from oxalic acid and exist as acids or crystals, either soluble or insoluble.
– Oxalates can bind to positively charged elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron, forming crystals.
– Ingesting excessive oxalates can lead to kidney stones and crystal deposits in various body tissues.
– Oxalates are found in certain foods, including dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, beet greens), nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), non-gluten grains (buckwheat, quinoa), beans (black beans, white beans), sweet potatoes, chocolate, raspberries, kiwi, star fruit, and more.
– Oxalates are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic health issues.
– Consuming large amounts of vitamin C, including through IV supplementation, can lead to oxalate crystal deposits.
– Avoiding high-oxalate foods can help reduce the risk of health problems associated with oxalate accumulation. Oxalates can cause fatigue and brain fog.
– High oxalate diet can damage gut and immune system.
– Reducing oxalates in food prep is food specific.
– Soaking nuts for 24 hours can reduce phytates but increase oxalic acid.
– Oxalate crystals irritate gut, don’t usually get absorbed into blood.

Low oxalate:
– Animal foods like meat and liver have low oxalate content.
– Low oxalate plant foods include lettuces, cabbage family vegetables, melons, cucumbers, winter squashes, white rice.

Symptoms:
– Oxalate-related symptoms: arthritis, headaches, skin issues, fungal infections, neural inflammation.
– Symptoms can arise during oxalate elimination as body clears stored crystals.
– Energy exhaustion during clearing is normal; healing can be a complex process.

Cycles of oxalate release can be observed and managed over time.

Oxalate poisoning can lead to various symptoms:
– Aches, joint pains, and muscle tension
– Migraines, headaches, and fibromyalgia-like pain
– Sleep disturbances and nighttime arousal
– Urinary tract and pelvic issues, including pain
– Blood cell problems, like low white blood cell counts
– Oxalates can contribute to fibrosis and scar tissue
– Oxalic acid interferes with cell functions and signaling
– Eliminating high oxalate foods can alleviate symptoms
– inclusion of some carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, can balance and temporarily reduce the rate of oxalate excretion.
– Different individuals respond differently to oxalates, so listen to your body

Kidney Stones & Estrogen:
– Estrogen is generally protective against kidney stones.
– Menopausal women are at higher risk of kidney stone formation when clearing oxalates.

Balancing pH and Citric Acid:
– Maintaining alkalinity in the body helps prevent kidney stone formation.
– Low citric acid levels in urine increase kidney stone risk.
– Alkalizing agents like lemon juice, potassium citrate, and mineral baths can help.

Research and Support:
– Medical research focuses on kidney stone prevention.
– Personalized approaches are necessary due to individual variations.
– Experiment with different mineral supplements and baths to find what works.

Healing and Mitochondria:
– Reducing oxalate consumption can support mitochondrial health.
– Adequate minerals, vitamins, and hydration are essential for cellular energy.
– B-vitamins and minerals like thiamine help improve mitochondrial function.

Mineral Bathing:
– Mineral baths, like epsom salts and sea salt, can aid in mineral replenishment.
– Potassium bicarbonate, baking soda, and boron may be beneficial.
– Gradually increasing bath frequency and duration can provide benefits.

– Mineral baths can be beneficial, especially for children who may not take supplements.
– Applying minerals through the skin can be effective for absorption.

Gut health:
– Claims of specific bacteria healing the gut and eliminating oxalate issues are often oversimplified.
– Gut health is complex, and restoring it to a perfect state is challenging due to the diversity of microorganisms needed.
– No single probiotic or bacteria can solve all gut-related problems.
– Historical evidence shows that oxalates from foods have caused health issues long before modern lifestyles.
– The kidney literature suggests that urine containing 25 milligrams or less of oxalate is considered normal.
– Our body produces about 12 milligrams of oxalate daily; dietary intake must stay within that limit.
– Good gut health allows absorption of 10-15% of dietary oxalates, making a daily intake of 150-200 milligrams reasonable.
– Leaky gut or certain health conditions may reduce tolerance to 50 milligrams of oxalate daily.
– Normal oxalate diet is 100-200 milligrams, while many popular foods exceed this limit.
– Adjust your oxalate intake based on gut health, avoid overconsumption, and consider consulting for personalized guidance.

LOTLR: The Why

As many of you are aware, I have been on a journey for some time now to better understand aging and how we can live a fuller life on our way to the final curtain call.

That road has had a lot of ups and downs, potholes and speedbumps, twists and turns, and a few hiccups along the way.

Clearly, there are a lot of factoral mechanisms at play in the equation of life, but alas, I believe that I ‘MAY’ have, and say this with great reservation for being wrong, found the x factor I have been looking for.

You see, mankind as a whole has been failing to make it much past eighty years of age with any consistency of practice. And yet we seemingly have the ability to make it to one hundred twenty years.

So why such an amazingly universal failure rate? Is it at all possible that there could be one universal unseen factor(x) in the equation of life that could be a prime mover or barrier preventing us from completing a fullness of years?

After many years of study, I’ve reached a point where I have found a factor(x). As I try to look around and see if there is something that fits in the equation, unlocking the door, if you will, I keep finding myself facing that same factor(x).

I am completely aware that I could be wrong, and I heartily welcome correction. However, this factor(x), as a key, is working in the door that has remained locked to me for a very long time. And I’ve spent many years looking for this answer.

As I’ve previously mentioned, several factors make up the equation of aging. I believe there are four main factors that we can adjust for that are under our control aside from genetics and geographic location: Optimal sleep, optimal hydration, optimal movement, and optimal nutrition. Each of these is dependent on the other to keep our machine(body) running efficiently. And I believe the x factor I keep mentioning is making one of these lifestyle factors run out of balance is affecting the overall performance of the human vehicle and our life’s journey to a long, healthy, and robust end well beyond one hundred years of healthy aging.

That x factor is oxalate, whether endogenously produced or exogenously procured in our diet. In my estimation, it is the gunk that is fouling our body, keeping it from appreciating a full life. It is slipping under the diagnostic radar like a thief in the night, robbing us of our most valuable asset: time.

I invite you to join me on this journey as I continue writing about it on my blog. I will also post it here on FB for you all to read, as I did this morning with Day 001 posted below.

I am sharing this with all of you freely because I want to see people be free of that which ails them. I would hate to think we all have a familiar(common) foe that manifests itself in many different ways, expressing itself in various places throughout the body because of our biochemical individuality.

I want to see all of us live a longer, healthier life. I don’t want to keep this to myself. I want you all to grow older with me but in a better place with a better body that makes life and our body a more enjoyable place to live. There is little worse than living out a miserably painful existence in a body that is fraught with various and myriad expressions of dis-ease.

Zero Oxalate(low oxalate) Diet

It’s extremely difficult to create a zero-oxalate diet using only whole, unprocessed foods. Oxalate is present in many plant-based foods, even in small amounts. However, we can create a list of foods that are generally considered very low in oxalate and are whole and unprocessed:

Animal-Based Foods (Naturally Zero Oxalate):

  1. Beef (lean cuts)
  2. Chicken (skinless)
  3. Pork (lean cuts)
  4. Fish (various types, e.g., cod, salmon, tuna)
  5. Eggs
  6. Lamb
  7. Turkey

Dairy (Naturally Zero Oxalate):

  1. Milk (cow, goat)
  2. Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  3. Cheese (various types, e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss)

Very Low Oxalate Fruits (Limited):

  1. Mango (in moderation)
  2. Papaya (in moderation)

Very Low Oxalate Vegetables (Limited):

  1. Mushrooms (button, cremini)
  2. Onions
  3. Cauliflower (in moderation)
  4. Cabbage (in moderation)

Very Low Oxalate Grains (Limited):

  1. White Rice (basmati, long-grain)

Other Very Low Oxalate Foods:

  1. Olive Oil
  2. Butter
  3. Salt
  4. Pepper
  5. Honey (in moderation)
  6. Maple Syrup (in moderation)

Important Considerations:

  • “Zero Oxalate” is Nearly Impossible: Trace amounts of oxalate might still be present in some foods.
  • Variety is Limited: This list is very restrictive, and long-term adherence could lead to nutrient deficiencies.
  • Individual Tolerance: Oxalate sensitivity varies. Some people may tolerate small amounts of oxalate-containing foods.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for kidney health, even on a low-oxalate diet.
  • Professional Guidance: It is absolutely essential to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before starting a zero-oxalate or extremely low-oxalate diet. They can help you create a balanced eating plan that meets your nutritional needs and addresses any underlying health conditions.
  • Cooking Methods: Boiling vegetables can reduce oxalate content, but this is not always sufficient for a truly zero-oxalate approach.

This list provides a starting point, but professional guidance is critical for a safe and effective dietary approach.

Top 99 Whole Foods by Approximate Oxalate Content

Top 99 Whole Foods by Approximate Oxalate Content
(From Highest to Lowest, mg Oxalate per 100 g)

Spinach, cooked
~750 mg/100 g

Raw spinach is also high (~600 mg/100 g), but cooked spinach often shows higher measured values due to water loss and concentration.
Swiss Chard, cooked
~700 mg/100 g

Beet Greens, cooked
~600 mg/100 g

Lamb’s Quarters (leaves), raw
~550 mg/100 g

Purslane, raw
~500 mg/100 g

Radish Leaves, raw
~480 mg/100 g

Amaranth Leaves, cooked
~450 mg/100 g

Rhubarb Stalks, raw
~400 mg/100 g
(Rhubarb leaves are not typically consumed due to toxicity.)

Sorrel, raw
~300–400 mg/100 g
(Varies widely by variety.)

Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
~300 mg/100 g
(Note: This can vary from ~200 mg up to 700 mg in some analyses.)

(Dark Chocolate would go here ~100–200 mg/100 g)

Chives, raw
~270 mg/100 g

Cassava (yuca), raw
~200 mg/100 g
(Proper processing/cooking can reduce total oxalates.)

Taro (cocoyam), raw
~180 mg/100 g

Okra, raw
~145 mg/100 g
(Cooked okra often measures lower, ~80–100 mg/100 g.)

Beets (root), raw
~110–130 mg/100 g

Poppy Seeds
~100–120 mg/100 g

Parsley, raw
~100 mg/100 g

Buckwheat Groats, raw
~80–90 mg/100 g

Almonds
~80–90 mg/100 g
(~120 mg per 1 oz / 28 g in some references.)

Quinoa, raw
~80–90 mg/100 g

Sweet Potato (with skin), raw
~80–85 mg/100 g
(A medium baked sweet potato can range ~100–140 mg, depending on size.)

Sesame Seeds
~60–80 mg/100 g

Peanuts
~50–80 mg/100 g

Black Tea (dry leaves)
~50–80 mg/100 g of dry leaves
(A single 8 oz brewed cup often yields ~15–30 mg, depending on strength.)

Hazelnuts
~45–50 mg/100 g

Potato (white), with skin, raw
~40–50 mg/100 g
(Baked potato with skin can be ~80 mg per medium potato.)

Wheat Bran
~40–50 mg/100 g

Cashews
~30–40 mg/100 g

Walnuts
~30 mg/100 g

Lentils, raw
~25–30 mg/100 g

Soybeans, raw
~24–30 mg/100 g

Pumpkin Seeds
~25 mg/100 g

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), raw
~24–25 mg/100 g

Leeks, raw
~20–25 mg/100 g

Eggplant, raw
~19–20 mg/100 g

Carrots, raw
~15–20 mg/100 g

Blackberries, raw
~15 mg/100 g

Raspberries, raw
~15 mg/100 g

Strawberries, raw
~13 mg/100 g

Celery, raw
~10–12 mg/100 g

Oranges, raw
~10 mg/100 g

Grapes, raw
~10 mg/100 g

Plums, raw
~10 mg/100 g

Zucchini (Summer Squash), raw
~8–10 mg/100 g

Asparagus, raw
~8–10 mg/100 g

Cauliflower, raw
~8 mg/100 g

Green Bell Peppers, raw
~7–8 mg/100 g

Broccoli, raw
~6–8 mg/100 g

Cucumber, raw (with peel)
~5–7 mg/100 g

Green Beans, raw
~5 mg/100 g

Onions, raw
~5 mg/100 g

Mushrooms, raw (common button)
~4–5 mg/100 g

Lettuce, Romaine, raw
~4 mg/100 g

Cabbage, raw (green)
~3–4 mg/100 g

Watermelon, raw
~3 mg/100 g

Squash, Winter (e.g., Butternut), raw
~3 mg/100 g

Apple, raw
~2–3 mg/100 g

Tomato, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Banana, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Peach, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Kiwi, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Pear, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Pineapple, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Blueberries, raw
~2 mg/100 g

Mango, raw
~1–2 mg/100 g

Papaya, raw
~1–2 mg/100 g

Water Chestnuts, raw
~1–2 mg/100 g

Turnip (root), raw
~1 mg/100 g

Parsnip, raw
~1 mg/100 g

Radish (root), raw
~1 mg/100 g

Corn, Sweet, raw
~1 mg/100 g

Avocado, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Basil, fresh
<1 mg/100 g

Brussels Sprouts, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Cantaloupe, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Grapefruit, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Honeydew Melon, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Mushrooms, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Cauliflower, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Broccoli, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Carrots, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Peas, green, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Peas, green, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Apple, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Peach, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Pear, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Apricot, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Grapes, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Raisins
<1 mg/100 g
(Some references list a bit higher, ~2 mg/100 g, still quite low compared to high-oxalate foods.)

Watercress, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Lettuce, Iceberg, raw
<1 mg/100 g

Mung Beans, raw
<1 mg/100 g
(Cooked mung beans may have trace amounts or slightly higher depending on processing.)

Lentils, cooked
<1 mg/100 g
(Raw lentils are higher, as listed above.)

White Rice, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Brown Rice, cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Pasta (wheat), cooked
<1 mg/100 g

Chicken Breast, cooked
~0 mg/100 g
(Animal proteins are typically negligible in oxalates.)

Beef, cooked
~0 mg/100 g

Eggs, cooked
~0 mg/100 g